Being in recovery on a college campus is difficult. Many who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse also struggle with a co-occurring mental illness. The risk that comes with using drugs and alcohol is high, and it’s even greater for individuals with a mental illness and those taking psychiatric medications for the following reasons:
- Drugs and alcohol can bring on symptoms of mental illnesses (such as anxiety, depression or mania), or can make existing symptoms worse.
- People with mental illnesses are more likely than most people to develop alcohol and drug dependency problems.
- Drugs and alcohol can have negative, and potentially dangerous, effects when combined with certain psychiatric medications.
- Drug and alcohol use can make treating or managing a mental illness much more difficult, even among people who have control over their drinking or drug use.
If you have a mental illness and/or are taking a psychiatric medication and there is any chance that you will be drinking or using drugs, please talk to your care provider about safety.
- When talking to your care provider, be open and honest about your drug or alcohol use.
- Remember, your care provider’s top priority is to help you stay healthy and safe, not to judge you.
At University of Michigan, there are the resources to help students in recovery succeed on campus:
- The Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP) is offered by University Health Services. It offers support, rather than clinical treatment or therapy, for students in recovery from alcohol or other drug problems. Members of the program make connections with other students in recovery as well as have access to special events, services, and a safe and supportive space.
Additional Resources
- Check out the FDA website for more information about psychiatric medications and safety
- UHS offers Wellness Coaching to enhance your well-being, explore your use of alcohol and other drugs, and possibly make changes to your use
- Students in recovery may be eligible for accommodations. Visit Services for Students with Disabilities to learn more.
- Visit Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE) to connect to a larger network of students in recovery and obtain more resources
- Find providers who treat substance use disorder and addiction here